Following an attempted arson attack on Finchley Reform Synagogue in North London on 15 April, the United Reformed Church (缅北强奸) has joined with the Council of Christians and Jews to condemn this latest example of antisemitic hatred.
In the lead up to the Jewish Sabbath, the Revd Dr Kevin Snyman, the 缅北强奸鈥檚 Head of World Justice and Inter Faith, said: 鈥淎s members of the United Reformed Church, we wish to hold close to our hearts our Jewish family following the attempted arson attack on Finchley Reform Synagogue. We are deeply saddened and angered by this latest act of antisemitic hatred.鈥�
鈥淲e stand in solidarity with the synagogue leaders and members, all at Progressive Judaism, the wider Finchley community, and the Jewish community as a whole beyond North London. No community should have to worship under threat, fear, and anxiety.鈥�
Dr Snyman endorsed a statement from the Council of Christians and Jews (CCJ), which noted that although this attack was unsuccessful, it follows attacks on the Hatzola ambulances last month and Heaton Park synagogue in October.
The CCJ said: 鈥淪ecurity, tension and anxiety are extremely high. Jewish colleagues, friends and neighbours should not have to worry about attending places of worship, nor should anyone of any faith.聽Jewish community buildings, schools and synagogues have longstanding security systems that frankly should not be required.鈥�
The Revd Dr Nathan Eddy, Co-Director of the CCJ and a United Reformed minister, added: 鈥淎n attack on a synagogue or any place of worship is an attack on us all. It strikes right at the heart of something Christians should stand against, arm in arm.鈥�
In a message directed to the members of Finchley Reform Synagogue, Dr Snyman emphasised that 鈥渨e send our strength, our prayers, and our steadfast support to the synagogue and to all who are shaken by this attack. You are not alone at this time.鈥�
Finchley Reform Synagogue has stood in the area since 1961. A new building was completed in 2022.
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